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Enterprise CVN-80
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 3:10 pm
by McAvoy
US Navy Secretary Ray Mabus announced earlier today during the inactivation ceremony for the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) that the third Gerald R Ford-class carrier, CVN-80, will also be named the Enterprise. CVN-80 will be the ninth Navy warship to bear the name Enterprise, and I'm sure it won't be the last. Good choice--sure beats calling it the Gabby Giffords or something (Look up Littoral Combat Ship if you don't know what I'm talking about).
Mabus says he selected the name Enterprise to honor CVN-65, which became the Navy's first nuclear-powered carrier when she was first commissioned back in 1961. "The USS Enterprise was the first of its kind, and for 51 years its name has been synonymous with boldness, readiness and an adventurous spirit," Mabus says. "Rarely has our fleet been without a ship bearing the name. I chose to maintain this tradition not solely because of the legacy it invokes, but because the remarkable work of the name Enterprise is not done."
An earlier World War II carrier, CV-6, also called Enterprise became a legend in the Pacific theatre fighting the Japanese. She played a key role in the pivotal US victory at Midway, and she earned 20 battle stars by the time the war ended. If I recall correctly, the Enterprise was one three Navy carriers built prior to December 7, 1941, to survive the entire war.
Incidentally, CVN-79, the second Ford-class ship will be called USS John F Kennedy--he has stature as a naval hero and President of the United States. He also had a previous carrier CV-67 named after him.
According to the Navy: "The Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier will be 1,092 feet in length and have a beam of 134 feet. The flight deck will be 256 feet wide, and the ship will be able to operate at speeds in excess of 34 knots."
http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-d ... d-cvn.html
Re: Enterprise CVN-80
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 3:14 pm
by McAvoy
Personally I like it. The only reason why is because the Enterprise is the only carrier to be not named after a person.
Some people on Navy forums blame Star Trek for this. But really the last two carriers especially CV-6 is an honored ship. A travesty that the US Navy could not save her from the scrap yards.
Re: Enterprise CVN-80
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 3:30 pm
by Teaos
Another image on future starship walls.
Re: Enterprise CVN-80
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 10:14 pm
by Deepcrush
I have to agree that is seems almost treason to have the USN without an Enterprise to lead it.
Re: Enterprise CVN-80
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 10:17 pm
by McAvoy
There was a theory that the name would go to a mini flat top.
But hearing this news did brighten my day. Not a Trek fan but a Navy history buff.
Re: Enterprise CVN-80
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 10:35 pm
by Deepcrush
A mini? I don't think any SecNav would risk the trouble that would bring.
Re: Enterprise CVN-80
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 10:41 pm
by McAvoy
Maybe, maybe not.
Afterall, the Enterprise isn't that special to the modern American. Not many people know of the Constitution. People know of the name of Enterprise because of Star Trek.
Re: Enterprise CVN-80
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 10:46 pm
by Teaos
I saw the Constitution just a month ago in Boston. Beautiful ship.
Re: Enterprise CVN-80
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 10:47 pm
by McAvoy
Teaos wrote:I saw the Constitution just a month ago in Boston. Beautiful ship.
Yes she is.
Re: Enterprise CVN-80
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 10:57 pm
by Deepcrush
McAvoy wrote:Maybe, maybe not.
Afterall, the Enterprise isn't that special to the modern American. Not many people know of the Constitution. People know of the name of Enterprise because of Star Trek.
Maybe not to the civilian population, but I know the USMC always feels better knowing Big E is watching the skies.
Re: Enterprise CVN-80
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 11:04 pm
by Captain Seafort
*sighs* Why couldn't we have named one of the QEs the Ark?
Re: Enterprise CVN-80
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 11:05 pm
by McAvoy
Ark Royal?
Re: Enterprise CVN-80
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 11:07 pm
by Teaos
Joan of?
Re: Enterprise CVN-80
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 11:08 pm
by RK_Striker_JK_5
Probably.
Anyway, I read this earlier. Great news.
Re: Enterprise CVN-80
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 11:12 pm
by Captain Seafort
McAvoy wrote:Ark Royal?
Aye. It's been almost a century since we didn't have an Ark Royal either in service or planned. The name is as much part of the Royal Navy as Enterprise is part of the US Navy